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Puente Refuses to Resign After Urda Train Crash

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Transport Minister Óscar Puente refused to resign after the Urda train crash killed 69 people.
Investigators said the Renfe train traveled 160-200 km/h and a control-centre error allowed it to proceed.
Protesters gathered outside Madrid’s Transport Ministry demanding Puente’s resignation.
Police used pepper spray on the demonstrators.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of mourning and called the tragedy unacceptable.

History

On July 6 2013 a 73-car Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway freight train rolled into downtown Lac-Mégantic, exploding 47 tanks and killing 47 people while destroying half the town centre. The Transportation Safety Board blamed an unattended train, insufficient hand-brakes and single-person operation, recalling the 1864 Beloeil disaster. The tragedy prompted Quebec Premier Marois and federal regulators to tighten dangerous-goods rules.

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On July 6 2013 a 73-car Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway freight train rolled into downtown Lac-Mégantic, exploding 47 tanks and killing 47 people while destroying half the town centre. The Transportation Safety Board blamed an unattended train, insufficient hand-brakes and single-person operation, recalling the 1864 Beloeil disaster. The tragedy prompted Quebec Premier Marois and federal regulators to tighten dangerous-goods rules.

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